FAMILY and friends of a Llanelli shop worker who this week entered the Big Brother house — and instantly became favourite to win — have wished him luck.
And former contestant Imogen Thomas, who also hails from Llanelli, has backed him as well.
Sam Evans, 23, entered the house on Thursday night and instantly became a favourite among Tweeters — including many from his home town.
A storeroom assistant at Debenhams in Carmarthen, Sam is a former pupil at Ysgol Maes yr Yrfa, Cefneithin.
Sam, who has 70 to 80 per cent hearing loss and relies a lot on lip reading, claims he wants to become a role model for deaf children who are too ashamed to wear their hearing aids.
He said he often gives the wrong answer to questions because of this, and compared himself to Del Boy to make himself feel better about it.
He added: "People think I look like Harry Styles. But I've got a cheesy grin that lets me get away with anything. But I'm not going to survive on my looks forever."
BB presenter Emma Willis asked him before he entered the house how he would find living without his mum.
He said: "It's going to be tough living without her, I'll be like a rabbit without lettuce, I'll miss her cooking."
His big sister, Rachel Evans, said: "We are all so proud of Sam. We'd like to wish him all the best in the house. The support he's had so far is fantastic."
Dad, David, spoke of his shock when he found out his son was a housemate.
"I couldn't believe it, we're all rooting for him," he added.
Sam's mum, Heather, said: "He's already a role model in my eyes."
Sam has represented Great Britain and Wales as part of their deaf football teams and plays for West End United football team in Llanelli.
Friends from the team passed on messages of support.
Rob Griffiths, 24, said: "I hope he can really get the chance to be himself in there, because if he can, that's when I think he will go far."
The last person from Llanelli to appear in the Big Brother house was Imogen in 2006. She lasted three months.
She said she hoped he would win the competition, adding: "Massive good luck to Sam. It's great to see someone from Llanelli enter the famous house. I will be rooting for him."
Bookmakers William Hill are pipping Sam to win the series with odds of 3/1. Sam also appeared on Deal or No Deal in October.
